Calcium reactor and Paintball gas

Mumbo_Jumbo · #1 01/03/2008, 01:52 PM

Hello, i have a small calcium reactor, its the acro-cal. For 10 to 75 gal.
I was wondering if a CO2 paint ball 12gr tank, will be usefull for this calcium reactor, i have a paintball gun wich i never use so i could use the tank for something!, will it work?
If not wich kind of CO2 tank can i use, my LFS have not an idea and the only other CO2 tanks i know are the 6kg hospital CO2 tanks, way to big for my aquarium, (20gallons).
Any suggestion its accepted.
Thanks in advance.

ErikS · #2 01/03/2008, 02:15 PM

Can't see why not - CO2 is CO2 is CO2.

The only issue is if they put some sort of lubricant into the tank? (no clue, never owned any of the equipment)

MHannon · #3 01/03/2008, 03:13 PM

12 gram is really small. I would go with a 9 or 16 ounce tank. Really a 20Oz. would be better.

MHannon · #4 01/03/2008, 03:15 PM

But yes, it will work

atvdave · #5 01/03/2008, 03:21 PM

Yes CO2 is CO2 and they don't add lube to the CO2. Some have lube for the o-ring but that can be wiped off with vinegar.

However it may be hard to find a regulator to fit the ASA (I think) fitting on the paint-ball tank.

ejg001 · #6 01/03/2008, 05:45 PM

redsea makes a paintball tank regulator with a solenoid that you can use.

http://www.redseafish.com/co2_pro.asp

just make sure the paintball shop gives you clean co2. i've had bad experiences with my freshwater planted and dirty co2 -- oil or fine metal shavings get into the system sometimes.

i've also seen a 2.5# co2 tank labeled "food grade co2" before which you might also consider, but i think they may be difficult to find. i believe the company here on the west coast that supplied the "food grade" cylinder was AirGas or Praxxair